Wesley Thorp is giving a new heel horse a shot — a 12-year-old gelding with solid breeding, a gentle mind, and a few good years of jackpot wins behind him. It’s day one, and Thorp’s approach is simple: don’t assume anything, and let the horse show what he's got.
This session is all about evaluating potential. Wesley breaks down how he assesses collection through the turn, whether the horse stays on the left hip or drifts, and how well the horse responds to pressure, positioning, and correction. Rather than push hard, he builds a picture of what the horse naturally does—and how much it’ll take to get him competition-ready.
For anyone trying out a rope horse for the first time (or the fiftieth), this video is a straight-up look at what really matters: feel, responsiveness, and the ability to get on the same page without completely overhauling your style or theirs.
Up Next in Locked In with Wesley Thorp
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Wesley Thorp: Keeping a Finished Heel...
In this video, Three-time World Champion Heeler Wesley Thorp works a seasoned 9-year-old gelding that’s seen plenty of runs—from amateur rodeos to World Series jackpots. This horse is solid, but after a few days off, it’s time to knock the rust off and get him sharp before the next jackpot.
Wesle... -
Wesley Thorp: Tuning Up a Heel Horse ...
Three-time World Champion Heeler Wesley Thorp shares a detailed, no-frills session bringing a 10-year-old mare back into form after time off. This video shows how he builds a horse’s confidence, balance, and timing from the back end—focusing on collection through the corner, holding position, and...
